Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $59,672 and $58,599, respectively)	$ 61,348	$ 63,333
Equity securities, at estimated fair value	140	161
Mortgage loans (net of valuation allowances of $56 and $46, respectively)	13,596	10,640
Policy loans	1,001	1,106
Real estate joint ventures	451	433
Other limited partnership interests	1,839	1,667
Short-term investments, principally at estimated fair value	0	269
Other invested assets, principally at estimated fair value	3,037	2,519
Total investments	81,412	80,128
Cash and cash equivalents	3,494	1,363
Accrued investment income	704	575
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables	13,113	12,918
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired	5,086	5,623
Current income tax recoverable	1	735
Other assets	509	547
Separate account assets	91,511	110,156
Total assets	195,830	212,045
Liabilities
Future policy benefits	35,588	35,715
Policyholder account balances	39,330	37,069
Other policy-related balances	2,728	2,720
Payables for collateral and securities loaned and other transactions	5,047	4,158
Long-term debt	434	46
Accrued Income Taxes	2	0
Deferred income tax liability	944	894
Other liabilities	3,455	4,419
Separate account liabilities	91,511	110,156
Total liabilities	179,039	195,177
Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Note 14)
Equity
Common stock, par value $25,000 per share; 4,000 shares authorized; 3,000 shares issued and outstanding	75	75
Additional paid-in capital	19,073	19,073
Retained earnings (deficit)	(3,090)	(4,132)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	718	1,837
Total Brighthouse Life Insurance Company's stockholder's equity	16,776	16,853
Noncontrolling interests	15	15
Total equity	16,791	16,868
Total liabilities and equity	$ 195,830	$ 212,045